As head of one of Florida’s largest public relations firms, Gary Bitner is considered a leader in the state’s public relations industry. His firm, Bitner Goodman, has long been recognized for its professionalism and quality client roster, including organizations such as the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Simon Property Group, Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, Tri-Rail, and Winn-Dixie Stores.
A 1975 graduate of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Bitner is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America’s Counselors Academy and is past president of the PRSA Gulfstream Chapter. Bitner has been awarded the national Gold Quill Award of Merit from the International Association of Business Communicators. He also has been honored with the Up & Comers Award from the South Florida Business Journal and with the Outstanding Small Business Leader of the Year Award from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.
Before founding the firm in 1980, Bitner was supervisor of public relations for Marriott Corp., Washington, D.C. His previous experience includes serving as a staff writer for the Sun-Sentinel, and as an account executive for Hank Meyer Associates, Miami.
Bitner supports countless community organizations throughout Florida. He is active in several business organizations, and he has continued his education as an MBA student at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton.
Bitner was born on June 4, 1953, in Chicago and moved to Florida in 1959. He currently resides in the City of Pompano Beach. An avid sportsman, Bitner trains at a local gym. He has traveled extensively, through Latin America, the Far East, Europe and the United States, including much of Alaska.
We swept all four categories last night at the Florida Public Transportation Association marketing awards ceremony. There were some terrific entries and the fact that our win was so decisive is a real tribute to your efforts. Thank you for making us look so good.
I would like to thank Bitner Goodman for the outstanding job you did for the Community and Economic Development Council. After consulting with you and explaining our needs and concerns regarding merging two non-profit business associations your agency provided highly professional advice and assistance which enabled us to move forward in the best possible manner.
Bitner Goodman’s creativity with the artwork for the Save the Date and Invitations helped create the “buzz” for the event and helped attract 450 plus VIPs, government officials and art patrons to the evening. You helped me more than you probably know!
